This week, examiner.com’s Ryan Tuohy got a chance to sit down with Corbin Smith aka Sleek, the Co-Founder of Team ALIIEN. Tuohy got a chance to get the full story on how Smith went from a young boy listening to records in the basement to an up and coming talent who works for one of the most popular radio companies in the Mid-Atlantic. Team Aliien is a music group based out of Baltimore, MD with a branch in Asbury, NJ. Aliien got its start in 2008 when college roommates Corbin Smith and Michael Savage would sing and rap on their daily 30 minute walk to classes at Full Sail University in Orlando, FL. Savage approached Smith with the idea and they ran with it from there. They decided to add two I’s to Aliien to help their name stand out for promotional purposes and to show that they were far from the norm. Team Aliien is now composed of 3 members and looking to expand as their reputation grows. Smith aka Sleek is the rapper of the group who handles most of the recording and promotions, his style has a feeling of early Kanye West mixed with the creativity of Kendrick Lamar. Savage aka Mike Sav is R&B component of the group that brings a smooth soulful feel to the music. The last member of the group is Monterde Grand who Sleek describes as “the white male version of Lauryn Hill”.
Smith has been pursuing the entertainment industry ever since he was a child. Smith talked about how he used to sit in his mothers basement listening to albums from the time he got home from school until it was time for him to go to bed. He listened to everything from The Temptations to Jay-Z to George Clinton to Eminem. This opened Smith’s eyes to the world of music as a whole and not just hip-hop. From that point on he focused everything on music and making it in the music industry. He said, “my mother wanted me to be Ben Carson but I wanted to be Jay-Z”. In high school Smith got his foot in the door of the entertainment industry when he was selected to play Monell, a sub character on HBO’s “The Wire”. This opportunity gave Smith insight to just how the entertainment industry works and how hard you have to work to be successful in the industry. After high school, Smith enrolled at Full Sail University where he obtained a BS in Music Business, AS in Recording Arts and MS in Entertainment Business.
Upon graduation, Smith moved back to Baltimore where he began to intern for Radio One, Inc. He started out as an intern in the Programming Department for 92Q Jams WREQ, where he constantly picked the brain of Al Pain who is the Operations Manager for Radio One, Inc. on how to be successful in the music industry. After completing his internship, Smith was offered a part time position at Magic 95.9, home of The Tom Joyner Morning Show, where he currently works as a Promotions Assistant. This position has helped Smith gain exposure for not only the Radio One, Inc. but as well as Team Aliien. You can find Smith promoting all over the Baltimore/DC area with the rest of the Magic 95.9.
When asked where does he see Team Aliien in five years, Smith responded that he sees Team Aliien as “ a popular brand in the music business that remains focused but will not forget where they came from”. The first thing you need to realize when checking out Team Aliien is that image is everything and nothing all at the same time. Aliien’s idea of image is how they portray themselves as artists and businessmen, not how they dress. Smith said, “my jeans are too tight for some people to like me but our reputation will speak for itself”.
Aliien is focused on bringing a sense of freshness to the music business that is all about the quality of their work and not making the next catchy one hit wonder song. If you are a musician in need of quality recording and music services do not hesitate to contact Team Aliien, as they will ensure you are satisfied with quality of their work. Smith highly encourages everyone to check out Team Aliien and says, “If you don’t like it, sorry but that’s the beauty behind music, its all opinionated and thanks for your time”. Be sure to check out Team Aliien Tuesdays on Smith Face Book page for the latest music from Team Aliien. For more on Team Aliien you can check out the links. Help SUPPORT BALTIMORE TALENT!
www.datpiff.com/TEAM-ALIIEN-Team-Aliien-the-Mixtape.145570.html
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